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| Pronunciation |
|
 (pim
e KROE li
mus) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Elidel® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Immunosuppressant Agent; Topical Skin Product |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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|
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years of age.
If you have an allergy to pimecrolimus or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have a skin infection. |
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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This medicine is used to treat skin
irritation. |
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| How does it work? |
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Pimecrolimus prevents inflammation. |
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| How is it best taken? |
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Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth,
nose, and eyes (may burn).
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
If you are not treating the skin on your hands, wash your hands after
applying.
Stop medicine when condition is gone.
Restart medicine if signs and symptoms
reappear. |
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
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Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses. |
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
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If you have a weakened immune system, talk with healthcare provider.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning
beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
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|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Short-term discomfort after use. Usually improves within 5 days.
Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes,
aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
Risk of infection. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or
flu.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Cough.
Mouth irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or
cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help. |
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| What should I monitor? |
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Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same? |
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Swollen gland.
Appearance of warts.
Severe skin irritation.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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Store at room temperature. |
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| General statements |
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Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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